Approve Subcontract with NCS Pearson, Inc. (Pearson), for Proofreading and Transcription Services for Blind and Visually Impaired Students, Visually Impaired Grant - (Curriculum and Instruction Division, Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired – FIMC-VI)

We request approval of the subcontract with Pearson to provide proofreading and transcription services for Braille versions of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and the FCAT Sample Tests in a contractor/subcontractor relationship for the period October 20, 2009, through July 27, 2011. During the 2010 and 2011 testing years, FIMC-VI will provide the following services:

• Conduct third-party proofreading of both the contracted and uncontracted Braille version of the FCAT Sunshine State Standards (SSS) and FCAT Sample Tests for grades 3-10, Reading/Mathematics/Writing/Science;
• Provide the proofreading/editing of the Braille Scripts, the Braille Notes and the Test Administration Manual (Braille section) for the FCAT SSS for grades 3-10, Reading/Mathematics/Writing/Science; and
• Transcribe student Braille responses onto scannable print answer books for the FCAT SSS for grades 3-10, Reading/Mathematics/Writing/Science.

The School Board attorney has reviewed and approved the wording of the contract.

Funding for this initiative was awarded to Pearson by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). Pearson was awarded a Prime Contract by FDOE to provide products and services in accordance with FDOE’s Request for Proposal No. 2008-17 for the Florida Standards Based Assessment System.

FIMC-VI is a statewide resource center assisting Florida’s 67 school districts with the specialized materials needs of blind and visually impaired students. FIMC-VI operates under FDOE through an annual agreement with The School Board of Hillsborough County, Florida.

* Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

Pearson will pay the district $91,216 for services provided and the funds will be included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget (Project 1717). There is no additional cost to the district.